Gautrain strike looming: Here’s what workers are demanding

The National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) says it is outrageous that Bombela Operating Company which operates the Gautrain wants to abolish staff cards that allow workers to travel to and from work using the train for free.

NUMSA which was engaging in wage talks has deadlocked with the Gautrain management. The union has also been issued with a strike certificate to ballot its members in preparation for the strike on 28 June.

GAUTRAIN STRIKE LOOMING

NUMSA spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola said the decision to abolish the staff cards is outrageous because their members cannot afford to pay to use the Gautrain because it is really expensive, hence the need for staff cards.

This benefit has reportedly been in place since 2013 and workers were allowed to utilise the train without paying.

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Hlubi-Majola said the company also wants to abolish the housing allowance which enables workers to access housing.

“Without it, they would not be able to buy their own homes. Gautrain proposed removing it so it can be built into the wages, but our members reject this,” she said.

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HERE’S WHAT NUMSA IS DEMANDING FOR WORKERS

• An 8% increase across the board
• A one year agreement valid from the 1st of July to the 30th of June 2024
• Housing allowance to increase to R1750
• Transport allowance to increase from R100 to R125 per shift or R2100 per month for all shift workers whether they worked or not
• Night shift allowance of R38 per hour
• Medical aid contribution of the employers should be 55% and the employees contribute 45%
• KPI bonus of R15 000
• No retrenchment for the period of the agreement
• Status quo to remain on train rides for all employees coming to work and going back home
• The Fare evasion policy must be abolished

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